I mentioned here how we have been waiting for our things to arrive from America for weeks. Almost 6 weeks after we arrived, to be exact. When the crates arrived and we started to unpack them it was like Christmas for us all. My running shoes and boots when I had been wearing flip flops exclusively for weeks! Warm sweaters and (more of) Chris' dress clothes for work! Hannah's crib and our nursery glider! A few pictures and personal items to help it feel more like home! And, oh yeah, the kids' toys.
This time of year has me missing some of the traditions of home and of Lincoln. Several people have pointed out to me that Halloween isn't celebrated as much here as it is in the states. One person said to me, "That's your biggest holiday in America, right? Halloween?" No, it's like 5th or 6th on the list, right? Just a dumb fun one.
But even though Halloween isn't emphasized as much as it is in the states, it's still a holiday we'll be celebrating. And Jayce wanted to dress up as, what else? A Fireman! Better yet, Fireman Sam!! His costume arrived last weekend, and it was just in time, because we've had so many fires in our flat ever since then. Luckily he's always on the job.
He showed off his new costume last weekend to his cousin Hadley and Grandma Debbie on Skype, and we'll be headed out tomorrow. Despite everyone assuring me that Halloween isn't celebrated very much here, everyone is having Halloween parties, so we'll have our pick. There will obviously be pictures after that as well. 
Happy almost Halloween!
When we were packing up our house, we had the daunting and fairly exhausting task of trying to decide what we may or may not need in our new place, despite the fact that we had no idea when we would be leaving, no idea where we'd be living, and therefore no idea of what we would need to take with us. We handled all of these unknowns by packing, comparatively, practically nothing to bring with us/ship over. I mean, seriously, we had a big house full of stuff, we brought 1 suitcase each, and shipped 7 boxes. That's it.
When I was packing all of our clothes, I trimmed it down to the very basics, our favorites, for the kids just things that fit/had a bit of room to grow, and pretty much just removed all of our options. I kept the summer stuff out to wear over the next little bit and then leave behind, and packed all cool weather things in boxes to be shipped. I did this in July.
These pictures of Hannah were on the afternoon of a TERRIBLE morning. I was headed to a mall that I had never been to, on a bus route I had never before attempted, trying to get some cold weather gear for my girl in her stroller. It wasn't raining when we left, but on the bus ride it started pouring!! Then I had to get out, with no rain gear for either of us, and attempt to navigate a heavy stroller through the downpour and puddles, while wearing old navy flips flops that had no tread at all. I was slipping all over the place, with no leverage to move her forward in her stroller, was freezing cold and soaking wet. And I stayed that way for the next few hours, in the store, on the bus back home, until I could get home to change. But I couldn't even change into my sweat pants because those were also with the things that were being shipped! Sigh.
Plaay groooooound. 
Anyway, I've said before how quickly we slipped into a 
It was just before the leaves started to change, and it was totally beautiful.
There was a similar, slightly less wooded area across the river, and both sides were packed with people on their bikes, families, runners and lots of babies in strollers.
At one point we passed a private estate with a (locked) ornate gate leading directly to the path and the water. Chris pointed it out to me, and mentioned that he bet there was a pretty expensive house on the other side of the gate. A woman passing by who heard his comment stopped to inform us that it was for sale a few years ago for 8 million pounds. And that Brad Pitt had looked at it, but apparently it was too small for him, which she scoffed at, and then kept moving with her dog. 
The weeping willows shaded us from the condos and houses on the other side of the trail. Not that it mattered because those condos are stunning and only add to the view. But so did the trees. Eventually the path veered left and we arrived at one of our favorite parks.
We played and played, and eventually made our way over and across the bridge to run our errands.
I've mentioned before that almost as soon as we moved here we decided that we'd like to move to another area, not because we dislike our current place, but because we love another one. Richmond is usually the area we've had in mind, if we can find a way to afford it. Maybe you can see why?
Jayce was very curious, but unsure about the various people that are painted up like statues, so he gave one some change so that he could get a picture with her. Even after she proved to be friendly, he still hadn't made up his mind.
We walked along the river, and Jayce pointed out, "This is London, just like in the Olympics!" which I thought was cool.
He had to endure more pictures, of course, but this one was while he was still on the stroller, so it required even less effort than usual on his part.
We made our way towards this park, stopped to feed the wildlife, and then feed ourselves a little bit.
The park had a few little play areas, so we hung out there for a bit to let the kids explore and stretch their legs.
I spy my girl and my boy...
Then we moved on and circled back towards the river.
I got Jayce this book before we moved here, so we had to go visit the Lion. 
